Push-button and touch-activated vital signs monitoring devices and methods of mapping disease hot spots and providing proximity alerts

ABSTRACT

A device and system for measuring vital signs is provided, which includes a housing and an electronic circuit within the housing. The housing has a pressable button on its front side. The electronic circuit measures and recording vital signs data when activated. The electronic circuit may be activated by pressing and holding the button. The vital signs data comprise one or more of: body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation level. The device may include an artificial intelligence unit that stores, records, and analyzes the vital signs data. The artificial intelligence unit builds a worldwide HOT ZONES database and a body temperature map containing information about regions with people reporting elevated body temperature. The device provides proximity alerts to users showing a Safety Circle so users can maintain distance from users with elevated temperatures. The device may be wearable, and the housing or enclosure may be in the form of a bracelet, necklace, or ring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/983,289, filed Aug. 3, 2020, which is anon-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.63/012,205, filed Apr. 19, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No.63/001,564, filed Mar. 30, 2020, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods formeasuring and monitoring vital signs, including devices in the shape ofa round or pill-shaped button that can be affixed to the back of amobile phone and activated by pressing and holding a pres sable button.

BACKGROUND

As pandemics become more frequent and more serious, maintaining publichealth will require more efficient ways to remotely monitor the healthof individuals. Currently, many vital signs sensing and monitoringdevices require medical professionals to operate. Either individualsneed to go to medical facilities for vital signs monitoring or medicalprofessionals need to go to where large numbers of people pass throughsuch as airports.

There are many existing home thermometers for temperature sensing andmonitoring, but they are not convenient for people to take with themwhen they leave their homes. Also, they typically do not monitor bloodpressure, pulse, or other vital signs. Although there are mobileapplications and some wearable devices that sense and monitor vitalsigns, they may be too complicated for many people to locate, tooexpensive to afford, and/or too complicated to use.

In a pandemic, it is critical for public health officials and helpfulfor individuals to know which areas are hot spots for the disease. Withthat knowledge, healthy people could avoid those areas to slow thespread of the disease Current vital signs monitoring devices are notcapable of providing information to a user about other people withelevated temperature or areas with large concentrations ofhigh-temperature people.

Therefore, there exists a need for a vital-signs measuring device that alay person can use from anywhere without assistance from a medicalprofessional. There also is a need for a vital-signs sensing andmonitoring device that measures other vital signs in addition totemperature. There exists a need for a sophisticated vital-signsmeasuring device that is reasonably priced, easy to use, and convenientto carry. Finally, there is a need for a vital-signs monitoring deviceand system configured to provide the user with information about hotspot regions with large concentrations of high-temperature people.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure, in its many embodiments, alleviates to a greatextent the disadvantages of known vital signs measuring and monitoringdevices and systems by providing a device that is in the form of abracelet or affixed to the back of a mobile phone. Disclosed devices maybe in the shape of a round button and be activated by touching orpressing and holding a pressable button. Disclosed systems may utilizeartificial intelligence and geolocational data to define regions thatmay be disease hot spots because they have large concentrations ofpeople reporting above normal body temperatures.

In exemplary embodiments, a device for measuring vital signs comprises ahousing and an electronic circuit within the housing. The housing has apressable button on its front side and a sticky surface on its back sidefor affixing to an object. The housing may be in the shape of a round orpill-shaped button, and a button battery may be located within thehousing. The electronic circuit measures and records vital signs datawhen it is activated and, in exemplary embodiments, is activated bypressing and holding the button. The vital signs data comprises one ormore of: body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and bloodoxygenation level. The electronic circuit may work in conjunction with amobile application for a mobile device.

In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises an artificialintelligence engine. A temperature-sensing microchip may be providedwithin the housing for body temperature measurement. In exemplaryembodiments, the device further comprises an optical electrical systemfor heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation measurement. Thedevice may further comprise wireless capability to communicate the vitalsigns data to an external device. In exemplary embodiments, the devicefurther comprises a geolocation system.

Exemplary embodiments of a device for measuring vital signs comprise anenclosure, an electronic circuit within the enclosure, and an artificialintelligence unit within the enclosure. The electronic circuit measuresand records vital signs data when it is activated. The artificialintelligence unit stores, records, and analyzes the vital signs data.The vital signs data comprises one or more of: body temperature, heartrate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation level. In exemplaryembodiments, the enclosure is a bracelet, a neckless, or a ring. Inexemplary embodiments, the enclosure is in the shape of a round buttonhaving a pressable button on its front side and the device is activatedby pressing or touching and holding the button.

In exemplary embodiments, the artificial intelligence unit comprisesneural network-based circuitry, at least one deep learning module, asearch tree-based decision-making system, and control logic. The deeplearning module is configured to conduct location analysis, and thesearch tree-based decision-making system is configured to conductproximity analysis and provide alerts. In exemplary embodiments, thealerts are provided when there are abnormalities in one or more of thevital signs data. The control logic is configured to monitor and updatethe vital signs data and a user's location.

In exemplary embodiments, the artificial intelligence unit builds aworldwide HOT ZONES map database containing information about regionsand locations with people reporting elevated body temperature. Thedevice may provide proximity alerts to users showing a Safety Circle sousers can maintain distance from users with elevated temperatures. Inexemplary embodiments, the device comprises operating software thatbuilds a user's body temperature map, worldwide, such that the user canview the user's body temperature map via a mobile app. The device workswith a mobile app and a web-based application, the mobile app and theweb-based application being synchronized such that a user may view thebody temperature via the mobile app and the web-based application. Inexemplary embodiments, the device is configured to be linked withclinics, hospitals, and national health institutions to use the vitalsigns data to provide real-time proximity alerts. The device may beconfigured to be connected via a network with all other devices formeasuring vital signs associated with other users, thereby creating aprivate, AI-controlled network to analyze global data and build aworldwide thermal map database.

Exemplary embodiments further comprise a memory chip configured to storeprior vital signs data. A battery may be provided and located in theenclosure or located within a separate mobile device in communicationwith the vital signs measuring device. Exemplary embodiments furthercomprise a power management system keeping the device in sleep modeuntil activated to preserve battery life.

In exemplary embodiments, a system for measuring vital signs is embeddedin certain commonly used devices. Such systems comprise an electroniccircuit measuring and recording vital signs data when activated and anartificial intelligence unit storing, recording, and analyzing the vitalsigns data. The vital signs data comprise one or more of: bodytemperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation level.The system is embedded within a device comprised of a vehicle ignitionbutton, a mobile phone display, a laptop display, a watch display, atablet display, or an LCD monitor. The system may further comprise aheat sensor embedded within the device display, thereby making thedevice display heat sensitive.

Accordingly, it is seen that vital signs monitoring and storing devices,systems, and methods are provided which may be affixed to the back of amobile phone, activated by touching or pressing and holding a pressablebutton, and may utilize artificial intelligence and geolocational datato define regions that may be disease hot spots. These and otherfeatures of the disclosed embodiments will be appreciated from review ofthe following detailed description, along with the accompanying figuresin which like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects of the disclosure will be apparent uponconsideration of the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a device formeasuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a device formeasuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the device for measuring vital signs of FIG.1B;

FIG. 1D is a side view of the device for measuring vital signs of FIG.1B;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device formeasuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device formeasuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a device formeasuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of exemplary internal electronic circuitry,hardware, software, and sensing components of a device for measuringvital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device formeasuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a device and systemfor measuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of heart rate andblood pressure measurement methodology employed by a device and systemfor measuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is an exemplary embodiment of a thermal sensor microchip inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is an exemplary embodiment of a thermal sensor microchip inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8C is an exemplary embodiment of a thermal sensor microchip inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is front view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile applicationin accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a device and systemfor measuring vital signs in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a flow diagram showing exemplary general flow of a deviceand system for measuring vital signs in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11B is a flow diagram showing exemplary general flow includingartificial intelligence flow of a device and system for measuring vitalsigns in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a neural networkmodule in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary embodiment of a body temperature map inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a device and systemfor measuring vital signs employing a photoplethysmography method;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an embeddedsystem for measuring vital signs in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16A is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an embeddedsystem for measuring vital signs in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an embeddedsystem for measuring vital signs in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an embeddedsystem for measuring vital signs in accordance with the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an embeddedsystem for measuring vital signs in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, embodiments will be described in detail byway of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which arenot drawn to scale, and the illustrated components are not necessarilydrawn proportionately to one another. Throughout this description, theembodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, ratherthan as limitations of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the “present disclosure” refers to any one of theembodiments described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore,reference to various aspects of the disclosure throughout this documentdoes not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include thereferenced aspects. Reference to materials, configurations, directions,and other parameters should be considered as representative andillustrative of the capabilities of exemplary embodiments, andembodiments can operate with a wide variety of such parameters. Itshould be noted that the figures do not show every piece of equipment,nor the materials, configurations, and directions of the variouscircuits and communications systems.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-4 , exemplary embodiments of a device formeasuring vital signs will be described. Device 10 has a housing 12 witha front side 14 and a back side 16. Electronic circuitry comprising atleast one electronic circuit 20 is located in the housing 12 and may bewithin flexible PCB within the housing. As discussed in more detailherein, the electronic circuit 20, when activated, measures and recordsthe vital signs data of the user. In exemplary embodiments, housing 12includes a pressable button 18 on its front side 14. The user activatesthe electronic circuit 20 to measure vital signs data by pressing andholding the pressable button 18. The normal or default condition of thedevice 10 is OFF, and the device turns ON only when a user pushes theON/MEASURE button 18. In exemplary embodiments, the ON/MEASURE button 18needs to be pressed for several seconds, e.g., 5-10, to turn the device10 ON to measure the user's vital signs as described in more detailherein. The user's vital signs may be measured during that brief time inwhich the button 18 is pressed down. Once the button 18 is released, thedevice 10 is switched back to the default OFF state to conserve power.

The pressable button 18 may be located on part of the front side 14 ofthe housing 12 such as in the center of the front side. Alternatively,the entire front side 14 could consist of the pressable button 18 suchthat pressing the front side 14 of the housing 12 means pressing thebutton 18. As best seen in FIG. 1 , housing 12 may be round and, moreparticularly, the housing may be in the shape of a round button. Thehousing may be in the shape of a pill-shaped button. A button shapeddevice may come equipped with a replaceable power source such as abutton battery, e.g., CR 3032. The button may have a biometric option toquickly identify the user according to his/her fingerprint. This featureis provided to ensure users' privacy. The button also may be activatedby touch, i.e., a touch button.

As shown in FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D, device 10 a may have a substantiallyoval-shaped housing 12 a. One half of the front side 14 a of the device10 a may have a circular portion 13 a with the ON/MEASURE button 18 a inthe center of the circular portion. In exemplary embodiments, the device10, 10 a may be affixed to another object. Advantageously, the device10, 10 a may be affixed to the back side of a mobile phone or othermobile device so it is convenient for the user to carry the device withhim or her when on the go. The device could be provided having a stickysurface 15 a on the back side 16, 16 a of the housing 12, 12 a. Theentire back side 16, 16 a of the housing 12, 12 a could be sticky and/ora peel-away adhesive or other type of adhesive 15 a could be provided onthe device 10, 10 a.

Alternatively, the device for measuring vital signs can be in otherwearable forms so it is convenient for the user to carry the device withhim or her. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the housing or enclosure 112could be in the form of a bracelet 110. In exemplary embodiments, thebracelet 110 presents the user's vital signs in numerical digits 113 andchanges colors according to the body temperature of the user. If theuser's temperature is above normal, the numerical digits may turn redand flash to signal the temperature abnormality. Alternative bracelets212, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , may come with wristbands 211 so they canbe put on the user's wrist like a watch. In such embodiments, the device210 is attached to the wristband 211. Devices could come in otherconvenient wearable variations where the enclosure is in the form of aring or the device is integrated into other jewelry such as a necklace.In each case, all the electronic circuitry, system components, hardwareand software discussed herein would be located in the device enclosureno matter its shape or form.

Turning to FIGS. 5-8C, exemplary embodiments of a device and system ofmeasuring and storing vital signs contain certain electronic circuitry,hardware and software, and sensing components as described in moredetail herein. Generally, an exemplary device has an optical-based,human vital signs (BP, Heart rate) detection and measurement system aswell as a body temperature measurement system. A transmission system 30is provided to send the information to a mobile app via Bluetoothtechnology. A power management system 32 also may be provided. As bestseen in FIG. 6 , a hybrid button 18 a may include heat and opticalsensing systems 34. As discussed in more detail herein, the system mayhave an associated mobile app for setups and alerting in case ofabnormal vitals.

Exemplary on-board computer circuitry in the device includes one or moreCPUs or micro-controllers 36, one more memory units 38, and anarithmetic logic unit (ALU). An interface circuit may be provided toenable wireless operation with mobile devices. Control logic 40 providesvisual display operation. As discussed in more detail herein, anartificial intelligence (AI) unit may be provided to analyze and recordthe vital signs data on a remote server via a system network and provideHOT ZONES maps. A memory chip could be utilized to store prior vitalsigns data for any embodiments, including for a stand-alone device.

Exemplary embodiments of the device 10, 10 a, 110, 210, 310 measurevital signs, including but not limited to, body temperature, heart rate,blood oxygenation level, and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic).The device includes a vitals sensing system 34 (temperature, bloodpressure, pulse) and an analysis computerized circuitry. As shown inFIG. 7B, heart rate and blood pressure may be measured by a combinationof a transmitter 35 and receiver 37 that detect these vital signs datathrough the user's skin. The transmitter 35 and receiver 37 can use anysuitable technologies, including but not limited to, electromagneticsignals and telemetry, for transmitting and detecting this data from auser's artery 39 or from the heart. In exemplary embodiments, electroniccircuitry with a temperature sensing microchip 42 measures bodytemperature. Exemplary thermal sensor microchips 42 a, 42 b and 43 c areshown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C. However, any temperature sensingtechnology could be used.

Thermocouple, Resistive Temperature Device (RTD), Thermistor, and thenewest technology, the Integrated Silicon Based Sensors, could all beutilized in disclosed embodiments. There are other sensing technologies,such as Infrared (Pyrometers) and Thermal Pile, which could also beused. Each of these sensor technologies caters to specific temperatureranges and environmental conditions. The sensor's temperature range,ruggedness, and sensitivity are just a few characteristics that could beconsidered by a person skilled in the art to determine whether thedevice would satisfy the requirements of the application. No singletemperature sensor is right for all applications. The thermocouple'swide temperature range is unrivalled, as is the excellent linearity ofthe RTD and the accuracy of the Thermistor. For body temperature,exemplary embodiments use integrated silicon or thermistor sensors dueto their high accuracy. In button-shaped embodiments, the buttonincludes a thermometer sensor and an optical sensing system 34 tomeasure heart rate and blood pressure, and the system performsmeasurement via touch sensor or infra-red based sensor.

In exemplary embodiments, the device 10, 10 a, 110, 210, 310 providesabnormalities detection 44 in the form of alerts 46 to the user in theevent of vitals abnormalities like high temperature (fever) and heartrate/blood pressure. An LED-based system could be utilized to providevisual feedback to the user about a vital sign parameter such as bodytemperature. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , a green LED 48lighting up could indicate a normal temperature reading, a yellow LEDlighting up (not shown) could indicate a slightly elevated temperatureor mild fever, and a red LED 50 lighting up could indicate a hightemperature or high fever. The device may maintain, track, and analyzethe medical vitals history for each user. Further, exemplary devices andsystems can run cross references of a user's medical data, alerting theuser about any abnormality that requires medical attention.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , users will be able to interface andsetup the system via mobile software app 52 and/or a web-basedapplication. The user can download an operation mobile application 52 touse with exemplary embodiments of devices for measuring vital signs. Thedevice 10, 10 a, 110, 210 may be connected via Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fiwireless 45 and/or short and long radio waves circuitry or any otherwireless system to transmit the data to mobile devices or computer orUSB or any external device that can store data. When the user pushes theON/MEASURE button 18, the vital signs data 54 is measured by the device10, 10 a. 110, 210, analyzed by the onboard computerized circuitry tocalculate and determine the human vital signs information, andtransmitted to the mobile phone 56 or other personal computing devicevia Bluetooth to present it on the mobile app. The data may be stored ona remote server anonymously. The system detects and alerts the userabout her vitals abnormalities via the mobile app. As best seen in FIG.10 , the alerts 46 may be audible and/or visual.

Alternatively, the device could be made as a standalone device, withouta mobile app and Bluetooth radio. As shown in FIG. 4 , an exemplarystandalone device 310 includes an ON/measurement button 18 a and atouchscreen or LCD display 313, which the user touches to activate andpresents the vitals including alerts in case of abnormalities, andbuilt-in software. An independent battery or other power system could beprovided with the standalone device.

In exemplary embodiments, the device has an independent power managementsystem 32 and a power source 33 that is activated when a user pressesand holds the measuring button 18. The independent power source 33 couldbe, e.g., a CR 3032 battery. When the button 18 is released the powerswitches to OFF to preserve battery life. The battery can be chargedwirelessly from an external charger or the mobile device battery. Thepower management system allows for efficient power conservation.

Turning to FIGS. 11A-13 , exemplary embodiments of vital signs measuringsystems that provide mapping and proximity alerts by artificialintelligence (AI) will now be described. These disclosed systems can beused with and/or incorporated into the push-button vital signsmonitoring device or the bracelet, ring, or any other form of device.FIG. 11A illustrates exemplary general flow of the system. The inputs 55to the device include the user's vital signs, hardware analysis, andpower. These are input into the electronic circuitry 20 and AI unit 58.The outputs 57 include visual outputs such as colors to indicate vitalsign abnormalities as well as maps and proximity alerts.

An exemplary device employs a location system. More particularly, asshown in FIG. 11B, it could use GPS circuitry driving a GPS system 72 toenable location data of the user. The system also could use its owngeolocation system or an associated mobile device location system. Asdiscussed above, the device measures and stores data on a user's vitalsigns, including body temperature. As best seen in FIG. 13 , thesystem's operating software can use that information to build a bodytemperature map 60 of all users, worldwide, so the users are aware ofareas that have a high concentration of people with elevated bodytemperature and may therefore be disease hotspots. The systems work witha mobile app and a web-based application, with both being synchronizedso users can view the body temperature map 60 through their mobile appor online on any device. As discussed in more detail herein, the mobileapplication synchronized with the web application enables a worldwideHOT ZONES, HOT PERSONS map that includes an alerting system to avoidglobal virus infection.

In exemplary embodiments, the system and device can provide proximityalerts to users. These proximity alerts, showing a “Safety Circle”within which the user can stay to maintain distance from users withelevated temperatures, are governed by AI. The device's circuitry andaccompanying software include an AI system or unit 58 that is based ondeep machine learning 64. Exemplary process flow of the AI system 58 isillustrated in FIG. 11B. The built-in AI system has the capability toconnect to a central information system and record a population thermalmap, based on the user's agreement to share his/her information. Theinputs are processed by control logic 40 and a neural network circuitry62 coupled to a deep machine learning 64 module. A decision engine 66informed by a math engine 70 communicates the machine learning resultsto the map database 68. Based on those, the AI system outputs visual andmap information, as discussed in more detail herein.

More details of exemplary neural network circuitry 62 are shown in FIG.12 , where the input layer 74 communicates with a first hidden layer 75a, which communicates with a second hidden layer 75 b, and then tooutput layer 76. The system can be linked with clinics, hospitals, andnational health institutions, e.g., the CDC, to use users' bodytemperature information to provide real time proximity alerts. Thesystem can update, in real time, the population thermal map according tousers' locations. The system is constantly using users' dates, locatedon a central server and alerting in real time about approachingpotentially ill individual(s).

The AI engine enables a “Safety Circle” per users, alerting them abouthot spots, worldwide. A HOT SPOT would be a concentration of users withhigher than normal body temperature or other abnormal vital signs. Moreparticularly, exemplary embodiments record a user's body temperature,worldwide, and build a HOT ZONES database. The device and system use themobile device or its own GPS system to categorize and define regionswith people that are reporting, e.g., above normal elevated bodytemperature. The device may be connected via a network with all otherdevices for measuring vital signs associated with other users, therebycreating a private, AI-controlled network to analyze global data andbuild a worldwide thermal map database.

A deep learning network secures, controls, and updates the world'sthermal map database 68 in real time to provide global, thermal, HOTZONES alerts. The device and system define a “Safety Circle” to alertthe user via audible and visual alerts about getting close to a regionwith high temperature people. Exemplary embodiments allow the user todefine his or her “Safety Circle” perimeter as well. The user can definea proximity safe zone via the mobile app or work with the systemdefaults. The “Safety Circle” is a proximity alert to notify and alertusers in case they are getting closer to a “HOT ZONE”, meaning peoplewith high body temperature, i.e., potentially ill individuals.Advantageously, the proximity alerts enable users to avoid HOT ZONES,which contain many potentially ill people and should be avoided tocombat viruses.

In exemplary embodiments, the system's machine learning circuitries andsoftware are constantly reviewing the user's body temperature data,recording measurement history, and building worldwide a HOT ZONESthermal map database. An interactive AI engine monitors according togeographical regions 24/7 to alert users in case they are approaching a“hot zone” that indicates possible ill population. The device may labelthis a health-proximity alert (HPA). Exemplary systems and devices areconnected to central health centers of CDC, hospitals and clinics thatpublish population illness statistics and are targeted to warn usersaudibly and visually about their proximity to possible sick populations.The device and system collect a user's body temperature information onlywith their permission, to ensure privacy.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the device may obtain the vital signs data suchas blood pressure and heart pulse by utilizing an optical system thatmeasures volumetric change with LEDs and photodiode from a finger. Anexemplary method is photoplethysmography 80, illustrated in FIG. 14 ,which optically measures the volumetric changes of an organ. The methoduses lights and thermal sensors 82 to make measurements. The methodmeasures changes in volume, that is, how big or small something is. The“organ” is not only the heart but the whole cardiovascular system,especially the veins and capillaries under the skin. In simpler terms,optical heart rate tracking is performed using LEDs and a photodiode tomeasure the changes in the size of blood vessels under the skin. Inexemplary embodiments an LED 84 shines a constant light onto the skin.Some of the light 86 is reflected and scattered back into the photodiode88 that detects these reflections. The heart beats and sends a pressurepulse through the user's circulatory system, and the amount of lightthat reaches the photodiode changes due to the pressure pulse. Anelectronic system (on board minicomputer) tracks the changes and thetime between pulses and calculates your heart rate and blood pressure.

Turning now to FIGS. 15, 16A-C, and 17, in exemplary embodiments, asystem 410 for measuring vital signs is embedded in certain commonlyused devices for added user convenience. In such systems, all theelectronic circuitry and features described in detail herein, includingtools for measuring and recording vital signs data, artificialintelligence unit, and mapping and proximity alert functions, areembedded in these other devices. For instance, as shown in FIG. 15 , thesystem 410 could be embedded within a vehicle ignition button 411. Thesystem 410 for measuring vital signs could be embedded in or integratedwithin the digital touchscreen display or monitor of any device,including but not limited to cell phones, tablets, PDMs, laptops, LCDmonitors, watches, and a heat sensor may also be embedded within thedevice display 413 to make it heat sensitive.

For instance, FIG. 16A shows the system 410 embedded in the display 413of a mobile phone 56. As discussed in detail herein, the system providesthe user's temperature and alerts via a mobile application. Similarly,the system 410 could be embedded and implemented within the digitaldisplay 413 of a wristwatch 415, as illustrated in FIG. 16B. As shown inFIG. 16C, the system 410 may be embedded in the touchscreen display 413of a tablet or laptop computer 417. Exemplary embodiments integrate orembed the system for measuring vital signs in cases for commonly useddevices. FIG. 17 shows the system 410 embedded within a mobile phonecase 419. These embodiments may include a battery powering the systemwhich may be charged wirelessly or via a mini USB port.

In operation, the user affixes the vital signs monitoring device 10 tohis or her mobile phone 56 by pressing the sticky surface on the backside 16 of the housing 12 onto the phone. Alternatively, the user puts awearable vital signs monitoring device 110, 210 on herself by sliding abracelet 110 onto her wrist, enclosing the wristband 211 of device 210on her wrist, putting a necklace device around her neck, or slipping aring device onto her finger. The user can download the mobileapplication 52 to interface and setup the system. To measure his vitalsigns 54, the user presses and holds the button 18. For the wearablessuch as the ring, bracelet, necklace, watch, etc., the user presses ameasurement button. For measuring vital signs with devices embedded inor integrated within the digital touchscreen display or monitor of cellphones, tablets, PDMs, laptops, LCD monitors, watches, the user touchesthe display. Once touched, pressed, or clicked, it stays on for apre-determined period of time, e.g., five minutes, and thenautomatically shuts off.

As the user touches or presses and holds the button 18, the systemmeasures the user's temperature, heart rate, and/or blood pressure. Moreparticularly, when the user pushes the ON/MEASURE button 18, the vitalsigns data is measured by the device 10, 10, a, 110, 210, 310, analyzedby the onboard computerized circuitry 20 to calculate and determine thehuman vital signs information 54, and transmitted to the mobile phone orother personal computing device 56 via Bluetooth to present it on themobile app 52. After a few seconds of button holding, the results willbe transmitted to the cellular phone 56 via Bluetooth 45 and displayedon the mobile application 52. Transmission via Bluetooth technologyutilizes BT radio circuitry 30 to pair with a cellular phone 56 andtransfer the data to the mobile app 52.

If the device is to be used as a stand-alone 310 without the mobile app,it will give the reading on small screen embedded into it and mayinclude a memory chip to store data. As discussed, above, the user canreceive alerts 46 in the event of vitals abnormalities like hightemperature and high heart rate/blood pressure. These alerts 46 could bein the form of visual feedback by different colored LEDs 48, 50. Thesystem detects and alerts the user about her vitals abnormalities viathe mobile app 52, and the alerts may be audible and/or visual. Inexemplary embodiments, the vital signs monitoring device 10 obtainshuman body temperature data using thermal sensors (Thermistors, heatresistors, microchip heat sensors, etc.). The device 10, 10 a, 110, 210,310 does the measurement by sensing the finger temperature by the sensorand calculates the exact body temperature using an electronic system(minicomputer).

As discussed above, the user can receive proximity alerts showing a“Safety Circle” within which the user can stay to maintain a safedistance from users with elevated temperatures. The user can define hisor her proximity safe zone and “Safety Circle” perimeter via the mobileapp or work with the system defaults. The user will receive audibleand/or visual alerts warning him when he is getting close to a regionwith high temperature people, or “HOT ZONE”. By observing these alerts,users can avoid HOT ZONES, which contain many potentially ill people.For example, the mobile app identifies symptomatic individuals,detecting potential infected symptoms and alerting users to avoid theseindividuals to avoid virus spread. As a “HOT PERSON” is approaching theuser will be notified to ensure safe social distance to avoid infection.The system also categorizes a user's symptoms and reports/shares theinformation with a global database to be shared with media, authorities,and health organizations, assisting with combating viruses and raisingsocial distance awareness. In exemplary embodiments, the system analyzesusers' vital signs reports and recommends them to self-quarantine incase of suspicious symptoms.

Thus, it is seen that devices, systems, and methods for measuring vitalsigns are provided which allow emergency location and tracking ability.It should be understood that any of the foregoing configurations andspecialized components or connections may be interchangeably used withany of the systems of the preceding embodiments. Although illustrativeembodiments are described hereinabove, it will be evident to one skilledin the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. It is intended inthe appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications thatfall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for measuring vital signs, comprising: ahousing having a front side and a back side, the front side having acircular portion with a pressable button in the center of the circularportion; an electronic circuit within the housing, the electroniccircuit measuring and recording vital signs data when activated; whereinthe vital signs data comprise one or more of: body temperature, heartrate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation level.
 2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the circular portion comprises one half of the frontside.
 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising an artificialintelligence unit.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the electroniccircuit is activated by pressing or touching and holding the pressablebutton.
 5. The device of claim 3 further comprising a button batterywithin the housing.
 6. The device of claim 1 further comprising atemperature-sensing microchip for body temperature measurement withinthe housing.
 7. The device of claim 1 further comprising an opticalelectrical system for heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenationmeasurement.
 8. The device of claim 1 further comprising wirelesscapability to communicate the vital signs data to an external device. 9.The device of claim 1 further comprising a geolocation system.
 10. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the electronic circuit works in conjunctionwith a web-based application and a mobile application for a mobiledevice.
 11. A device for measuring vital signs, comprising: an enclosurehaving a front side and a back side, half of the front side having acircular portion with a pressable button in the center of the circularportion; an electronic circuit within the enclosure, the electroniccircuit measuring and recording vital signs data when activated; anartificial intelligence unit within the enclosure, the artificialintelligence unit storing, recording, and analyzing the vital signsdata; wherein the vital signs data comprise one or more of: bodytemperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation level.12. The device of claim 11 wherein the artificial intelligence unitcomprises: neural network-based circuitry; at least one deep learningmodule configured to conduct location analysis; a search tree-baseddecision-making system configured to conduct proximity analysis andprovide alerts; and control logic configured to monitor and update thevital signs data and a user's location.
 13. The device of claim 12wherein the electronic circuit provides alerts when there areabnormalities in one or more of the vital signs data.
 14. The device ofclaim 11 further comprising a memory chip configured to store priorvital signs data.
 15. The device of claim 11 wherein the enclosure isone of: a bracelet, a neckless, or a ring.
 16. The device of claim 11wherein the device is activated by pressing and holding the pressablebutton.
 17. The device of claim 11 further comprising a batteryconfigured to be wirelessly charged and a power management systemkeeping the device in sleep mode until activated to preserve batterylife.
 18. The device of claim 11 wherein the artificial intelligenceunit builds a HOT ZONES database and a body temperature map containinginformation about regions with people reporting elevated bodytemperature.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein the device providesproximity alerts to users showing a Safety Circle so users can maintaindistance from users with elevated temperatures.